Where Foodies Meet: Turning a Simple Dish like Fishball into a National Pride

There is only one creation that any country really needs to call itself independent, only one element necessary to sum up its nation’s culture and history. And that is what many will call its country’s national pride: its food.

During his recent trip to Singapore, Benjamin Yong discovered its new national pride – fishballs, or more specifically “The Fishball Story” a successful hawker franchise which was started by young hawkerpreneur (entrepreneurs who are key in preserving the hawker heritage and culture in Singapore), Douglas Ng.

Douglas’ successful franchise was inspired by his grandmother who was the original “creator of the fish balls” which he sells. It started off, when Douglas yearned to have more of his grandmother’s fish balls but she only “made it twice a year”. His yearning for her fish balls, led him to take on her recipe and to learn and make it at home himself so he could “eat it regularly”. His love for fish balls eventually led him to introduce it to the world which went on to become a success story.

Over a bowl of yummy fishball noodles, Benjamin shares, “There is something so satisfying when something so simple is done so well.” Benjamin Yong chats with Douglas Ng on how he had used his grandmother’s recipe to making it a hip dish that is relevant to the younger generations.

This experience was documented in the Episode 3 of “Where Foodies Meet”, a four-part series that is featured on Singapore Tourism Board’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/visitsingapore.my), starring Benjamin’s Yong exploring his passions for food in Singapore.

World Gourmet Summit (2 April 2018 -29 April 2018)
World Gourmet Summit (WGS) 2018 returns for its 22nd year this April. Under this year’s theme of “The Discovery WGS”, diners will be taken off the beaten track to experience some of the world’s lesser known and exciting cuisines, presented by a stellar line up of culinary stars from Asia, Eastern and Central Europe, and America.http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com/wgs2018/main.php

Sing International Jazz Festival (6 – 8 April 2018)
Marina Bay Sands
The Singapore International Jazz Festival (Sing Jazz Festival) is an annual celebration! Returning for its 5th year the Sing Jazz festival will feature headliners, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jamie Cullum, Lalah Hathaway, Parov Stellar and many more. It will expand across the Marina Bay Waterfront to present 3 stages and over 30 hours of world-class music entertainment!https://www.sing-jazz.com/2018/

Singapore Heritage Festival (6 April – 22 April 2018)
The Singapore Heritage Festival (SHF) returns for its 15th year this April, with an island-wide celebration of Singapore’s heritage and culture across three weekends. Singapore Heritage Festival 2018 will be a special edition with the launch of ‘Our SG Heritage Plan’. Each edition features a slew of offerings including heritage trails, tours, open houses, and performances at spots all over Singapore.https://heritagefestival.sg/

Rugby Sevens Singapore (28 April – 29 April 2018)
Singapore National Stadium
The Singapore Rugby Sevens is the biggest celebration of Rugby in South East Asia. Fans are guaranteed 45 fast and frenetic matches featuring 16 of the world’s best men’s Rugby Sevens teams on 28th and 29th April 2018. Fans can look forward to live music, lip-smacking food, and an energetic Fun Zone – with activities that will enthrall visitors of all ages.https://www.singapore7s.sg/home/

Singapore International Festival of Arts (26 April – 12 May 2018)
Stepping into its 41st year, Singapore International Festival of Arts 2018 presents a diverse and distinctive works from Singapore and around the world that ignites the imagination, inspires myriad audiences, and provokes reflection and dialogue. From street performances to public film screenings, the Singapore International Festival of Arts may well be a celebration of the arts for everyone.https://www.sifa.sg/

Fall Out Boy – Mania Tour Live in Singapore (30 April 2018)
Zepp@BigBox
Famed American rock band Fall Out Boy will be down in Singapore. Look forward to seeing Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump belt out breakout their singles live “Sugar We’re Goin Down” and “Dance Dance” in their Mania Tour.https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/cfob0418